Small businesses should be well versed in the importance of ownership. However, there are still too many that take a pass at taking control of their destiny.

A rising tide of social options has left many small businesses with paralysis by analysis. Social is definitely part of a tool box (including mine as you’ll see below), but social channels are focused on their business plan. Here are three ways to give your plans a business improvement loan and take ownership.

A good website doesn’t have to involve bells and whistles, but it needs to be viewable on multiple platforms because that’s how customers are finding businesses – via mobile device or tablet. You also want a Content Management System (CMS). This enables the ability to post offers, info or important reminders to a spot(s) on your website without the need for the web designer to do it.

2. Own Your Data – Get to know your customers and how they use your business. Collect data – especially an email address – and make sure you know about interests or how they shop with you. Use Google Analytics or another of the many options available for web tracking. You will see what people look at on your website. You will also be able to look beyond your POS report each day. Customers will tell you what they want.

3. Own Your Message – Email marketing is still a valuable resource which is why email addresses (and the permission to use them) are so important. Constant Contact, Emma, Vertical Response and Mail Chimp are just a few of the great, user-friendly tools that are reasonably priced and effective at communicating with your customer and tracking the results. It takes some time, and a little experimentation, to put good emails together, but it can pay dividends in sales.

What about social marketing? There are ways to own what you can there, but prepare to make a commitment. (Click here for a brief video sidebar on “The Social Dilemma.”)

Remember, as customers become more connected there’s only one rule for small businesses – take ownership!

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About catchdrivermarketing

Catch Driver provides marketing and communications services/consultation for small to medium size businesses and non-profits. The "Your Ideas...On Track" slogan means helping organizations and business owners with projects they want to do, but lack staff and time to execute themselves, and working to drive them to a successful outcome. See more at www.catchdriver.com.